One victim was told to withdraw money in Euros – totalling £16,000 – which a courier then collected from her home.

Another victim gave £7,000 in cash, while a third victim was conned out of £2,000.

The gang warned the victims not speak to anyone as they would be in trouble for talking about police investigation.

As well as the money that was handed over, some of the victims gave the criminals their bank cards and further withdrawals of thousands of pounds were made.

Detective Inspector Debbie King, who runs the economic crime unit at Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “This kind of crime preys on the best intentions of some of the most vulnerable people in our county.

“Each of our victims thought they were doing their civic duty and helping a police officer catch a fraudster – the reality is much different.

“The victims have been not only left out of pocket but also distraught about being conned in this way.